People

current team

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Adam Mott

Assistant professor

My background is in immunology, cell and molecular biology, parasitology, and plant biology. My work has always focused on host-pathogen interactions and included translational goals.
BSc – University of British Columbia – 2001
PhD – Harvard University – 2008

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pradiksha aravindpathy

MSC candidate

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nicole iori

MSC candidate

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niki nagy-watson

phd candidate

Niki joined the Mott Lab in September 2026 for her PhD studying how long non-coding RNAs regulate the expression of receptor like kinases and stress responses in plants.
Niki earned her MSc and BSc in Biology at the University of Ottawa where she then went on to manage the Core Molecular Biology and Genomics Lab prior to starting her PhD. Working in the Core, she developed a passion for teaching laboratory workflows in cellular and molecular biology
Outside the lab, Niki enjoys hiking and hosting game nights with her four cats.

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hanzhang yao

undergraduate researcher

I am an undergraduate student at the University of Toronto, specializing in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. My research interests center on how environmental factors influence living organisms at the molecular level, particularly their effects on signaling pathways, protein expression, and gene regulation ultimately to how organisms respond and adapt to these challenges.

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mohammadamin tabari nia

undergraduate researcher

I am an undergraduate researcher at the University of Toronto Scarborough pursuing a double major in Human Biology and Population Health. My interests focus on plant immunity, particularly how receptor systems and regulatory networks enable plants to interpret and respond to environmental signals. Beyond the lab, working with plants reflects my appreciation for the beauty of nature and a connection to the natural world that is deeply tied to my heritage and continues to shape my motivation for biological research.

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khushi masjidi

undergraduate researcher

I am an undergraduate student fascinated by the intersection of molecular biology, biotechnology, and applied statistics. My research interests center on exploring genetics across diverse systems, from animal models to plants and bacteria. Outside of the lab, I enjoy reading, writing, and staying curious in several different languages.

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juliana crokidas

undergraduate researcher

I’m an undergraduate student at the University of Toronto studying Human Biology and Immunology, with a strong interest in how organisms recognize and respond to their environment. I’m particularly drawn to plant immunity because it highlights the fundamental mechanisms of signalling and defence that are shared across biological systems. I’m especially interested in how these core processes connect back to human immune function and shape our understanding of health and disease.